Russell Martin will become just the 23rd player to play 300 matches for Norwich City if he plays against Brighton tonight.

Norwich City captain Russell Martin presented new kits to Old Catton U9s at Carrow Road, as part of the Kits for Kids initiative run by the EFL's ooficial DIY partner Wickes. Picture: Wickes

The Canaries skipper is set to reach the landmark against his hometown club as his eighth season with City begins winding down.

Paul Lambert signed the defender from Peterborough in November 2010 and Martin has gone on to become an established Scotland international, enjoyed three promotions and played a key part in four top-flight campaigns.

“First things first, it’s an honour to play 300 games for a club like this, that means so much to me and my family now,” the 31-year-old said. “If you’d have said I’d play 300 games on the day I first signed I’d have snapped your hand off to be honest.

“It feels like it’s gone really quickly, been a lot of highs, a lot of lows – more highs than lows fortunately. You don’t get time in football to stand still and reflect really but I’m sure when I’ve retired eventually I’ll look back and see it as a great achievement.

Russell Martin during the early stages of his Canaries career in December 2009, pictured alongside Darel Russell, shooting in a match against Oldham in League One.
Photo: Bill Smith

“I said it when Wes (Hoolahan) played his 300th recently that it’s some feat in this day and age.”

Martin will edge ahead of Robert Fleck in the club’s all-time appearances list and to within six of legendary centre-forward Iwan Roberts and 16 off Hoolahan.

“I’ve got more starts than Wes so they count for more, that’s what I’ve told him!” Martin joked. “But it’s not about personal records and stuff, just to have played that many games and so many as captain as well means a lot to me, means a lot to the people close to me and hopefully shows that I’ve done okay for the football club in that period of time as well.”

The Brighton-born defender was released by the Seagulls as an 18-year-old and will have plenty of family and friends watching tonight, as Chris Hughton’s promoted side look to seal the Championship title.

“It was my 200th game against Brighton so it’s quite strange that it’s the 300th as well but I finished the 200th with a nice goal so that would be nice but to be honest it’s a game I want to win, regardless of the 300 stuff.”